Prontogest IM injection- so much pain... - Fertility Network UK

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Prontogest IM injection- so much pain afterwards! What can I do? Help ๐Ÿ˜ญ

โ€ข48 Replies

Hello lovely ladies,

Hope youโ€™re all well.

Can I ask for your advice please? Iโ€™ve been REALLY struggling with my intramuscular progesterone injections lately...they are extremely painful! I do them every other day and change bum cheek every time, usually do them in the morning...massage the area after and walk a little to get the medication going.

However, by the evening Iโ€™m in agony. I can barely sit- or lay down- so so painful.

Iโ€™ve searched on google to see if weโ€™re maybe making mistakes with the injections site but itโ€™s fine- and so is the needle size ๐Ÿ™ˆ

Iโ€™ve tried hot water bottle but is not helping.

What can I try? Do you have any experience with this?

Iโ€™ll see the nurses on Thursday but Iโ€™m not expecting much of an answer from them ๐Ÿ˜‚

Sending love โค๏ธ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿคž๐Ÿปโœจ๐Ÿ’‹and thank you for your help as always! ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป

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48 Replies
โ€ข
amandac84 profile image
amandac84

Oh you poor thing! I havenโ€™t got anything to help, I have the same but it only tends to be one side! Keep strong! Xx

โ€ข in reply toamandac84

thanks Amanda, it was one side now itโ€™s on both ๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ™ˆxx

KiboXX profile image
KiboXX

Oh Issy, you poor thing ๐Ÿ˜ข

I donโ€™t have any advice Iโ€™m afraid but just wanted to send you a hug and I hope you get some useful pointers from other people!xx

โ€ข in reply toKiboXX

Awww thanks Hun xx hope youโ€™re enjoying your dinner โค๏ธI mean, the evening not the food itself ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคข๐Ÿคข๐Ÿคข๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ™ˆxxx

Chel91 profile image
Chel91

Sorry to hear that you are struggling with those. Makes me kind of nervous, I hate pain!! ๐Ÿ˜… I haven't started my progesterone injections yet (just did trigger last night), but my nurse prescribed me anesthetic cream patches that numb the skin before the injection. I think the main ingredient is lidocaine, maybe you can ask your nurse about it . Good luck xxxx

โ€ข in reply toChel91

Thanks Chel! Yes Iโ€™ve heard of that- but itโ€™s the drug that causes pain in the muscles, not the actual injection so numbing wonโ€™t help ๐Ÿ™ˆnot saying this to scare you ahahaha ๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹

Montgomery2 profile image
Montgomery2

Iโ€™m on progesterone and I was given some extra needles they were double the thickness and bruised me like hell... I asked for different needles that has helped a lot x

โ€ข in reply toMontgomery2

Hey Hun, yep tried to get smaller ones but because Iโ€™m quite chubby I need the bigger one (1.5inch) to get to the muscle ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ™ˆ๐Ÿ™ˆx

Montgomery2 profile image
Montgomery2โ€ข in reply to

Ah Iโ€™m injecting into my tummy! X

Fingerscrossed38 profile image
Fingerscrossed38โ€ข in reply toMontgomery2

Eerrr have you double checked with your Dr about injecting Prontogest subcutaneously (in tummy)? I'm pretty certain they must be done intramuscular ...

Montgomery2 profile image
Montgomery2โ€ข in reply toFingerscrossed38

Iโ€™m on lubion sorry mix up my end..

Fingerscrossed38 profile image
Fingerscrossed38โ€ข in reply toMontgomery2

Ahh that makes more sense :-)

Fingerscrossed38 profile image
Fingerscrossed38โ€ข in reply to

Have you tried the Emla numbing cream I mentioned? Is hubby administering them? Heat the area with a wheat bag before and after injecting....then rub the area for a few minutes. The area does get lumpy and itchy but trust me it's worth it in the end

Rainbowhope profile image
Rainbowhope

I'm in exactly the same boat (again)!!!! I'm taking them every third day and they hurt like hell. Last night I couldn't sleep on the left side because it was so painful. I think maybe you should try numbing cream which will numb the area beforehand.

โ€ข in reply toRainbowhope

๐Ÿ™ˆIโ€™ll try the cream but the thing that causes me pain is medication in my muscle...

Lesmec profile image
Lesmec

I'm having these. Make sure you warm the oil up before injecting. I warm in my hands and then use a hot water bottle to keep warm whilst sorting out.

Then inject slowly and massage the area really well. I've still got a few lumps but since doing this is less painful during the day.

โ€ข in reply toLesmec

Thanks Lesmec, the only thing I donโ€™t do of what you mention is keeping the area warm while sorting out- will try that! Do you have them every day? X

Lesmec profile image
Lesmecโ€ข in reply to

I have to do 3 times a week. Some days just hurt more than others too. This morning it hurt like hell, so massaged for longer.

Keeping the liquid warm does help though.

I did find that a hot water bottle on it helped a little but also made me get some lumps so stopped it after.

โ€ข in reply toLesmec

Oh no Iโ€™m sorry ๐Ÿ˜ mine yesterday was the same- do you do them yourself? Hubby does mine (poor him, heโ€™s really risen to the challenge ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ™ˆ)x

Lesmec profile image
Lesmecโ€ข in reply to

Yeah, hubby does mine (and he's terrified of needles so has totally stepped up). Couldn't do these myself as would be very awkward

โ€ข in reply toLesmec

Agree- poor hubbies, mine is terrified of needles too! Or shall I say โ€˜wasโ€™ ๐Ÿ™ˆI feel sorry to have put him through this, but heโ€™s happy to be part of the process โค๏ธ

Lesmec profile image
Lesmecโ€ข in reply to

I think he's the same. Although I have to do all the prep etc and he just stand me with it.

Hope yours are going well

โ€ข in reply toLesmec

We gotta suffer ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคž๐Ÿป๐Ÿ€โค๏ธ

CharlieW1985 profile image
CharlieW1985

I'm on the prontogest too... I don't find them too bad to be honest... Just the bruising on my bum looks awful. Areas are definitely tender to touch. I'm on the bigger gauge needles too as it had to reach the muscle. Don't think this helps with the bruising. If I end up being pregnant then consultant has mentioned about swapping back to pessaries long term xx

โ€ข in reply toCharlieW1985

Hi Charlie, I have no bruising whatsoever...funny how people react differently to the same medication ๐Ÿ™ˆI donโ€™t even bleed...nothing at all. Not sure youโ€™ll be able to swap to pessaries, Iโ€™m doing those too ๐Ÿ˜ƒ( 3 a day!) and I donโ€™t have particular issues with my progesterone...it was slightly lower than they wanted it following my FET...so they added the injection ๐Ÿ˜ฑevery other day....Iโ€™ll keep my fingers crossed for you! When is your OTD?๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿคž๐Ÿป๐Ÿคž๐Ÿป๐Ÿคž๐Ÿป๐Ÿคž๐Ÿป๐Ÿคž๐Ÿป

CharlieW1985 profile image
CharlieW1985โ€ข in reply to

Have to go for blood test tomorrow so fingers crossed. My consultant confirmed with me at my transfer that you can swap over to pessaries. I'm using pessaries too at the moment. I don't have progesterone problems either, that I'm aware of but I asked to go on prontogest for my 2nd transfer to ensure I'm covering all bases lol I bleed sometimes and other times not, but running out of places to inject now! Also got a few of those lumps under the skin you can get on these injections xx

Charliebenj profile image
Charliebenj

I put the vial in my bra to warm up before hand. I also bruise more when I put them in a slightly lower spot although it still within the correct zone.

This may be totally unhelpful based on your earlier response but the game changer for me was the smaller needles. I would double check you definitely canโ€™t use them, Iโ€™m not slim and I do.

โ€ข in reply toCharliebenj

Hey Hun, Iโ€™ve already checked re the needle ๐Ÿฅบthey said they want me to use the big one to ensure the medication reaches the muscle...Iโ€™ve got 3.5 weeks left of this ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ˜ฑsuch a torture!

Good thing is that I donโ€™t bruise at all! X

ttcemmie profile image
ttcemmie

Oh god. Hope I don't have to do these! Well.... if I meant it was pregnant..... Anyway, if it's not numbing the area you need as you've said to others, then don't know what to say! Have you spoken to your clinic? You can't be the only person these injections have hurt! xxx Only for a short short period of your life. This won't be forever! Sending lots of love.

โ€ข in reply tottcemmie

Thanks Emmie โค๏ธYes youโ€™re right, itโ€™s only temporary...only 3.5 weeks to go ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚yeah Iโ€™ve spoken to the clinic and they look at you like youโ€™re stupid โ€˜what did you expectโ€™ kinda thing....I think the medical team doesnโ€™t really get that we are โ€˜normalโ€™ people, not medical so yes injecting a 1.5inch needle deep into my body is not something Iโ€™ve ever done- or my hubby for the matter! Iโ€™ve asked my GP for help and they said they donโ€™t provide the service ๐Ÿ˜ณso you end up doing the best you can...the meds work because my progesterone levels are where they should be...but I hope Iโ€™m not damaging anything else (like sciatic nerve) as this pain is WOW and I have quite a high pain threshold (also, I was a semi pro tennis player and was used to injections and injuries and pushing through pain during tournaments and all that...so Iโ€™m not someone that gets scared easily by this stuff ahaha) .....anyway, how are you feeling hun? ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜news???? Sending luck ๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€

Oh dear those injections are the worst, I took them twice a week in my last pregnancy and boy the pain is just the worst. However I found that rubbing sheabutter (I don't know if you have access to it, it's in abundance here) made it easier. It helped it dissolve quicker and relieved the pain in the muscle.

If you can find it, spread some on the spot and give it a good rub, it helps.

Sorry โค๏ธ, I know how it hurts ๐Ÿ˜ฌ

โ€ข in reply to

Oh hi love, how are you? Thanks for the tip, going straight to Boots today ๐Ÿ˜‚Iโ€™ll do anything to help this pain...it gets worse and worse and the time goes ๐Ÿ™ˆxx

โ€ข in reply to

Yes it does get worse by the day ๐Ÿ˜ฌ.

Try to find the raw unrefined shea butter. Check Amazon or African Shops.

I am alright, losing my mind just lying about watching TV but got to do what I got to do.

โ€ข in reply to

I know same here although wfh (and always trying to find a comfortable seated position which I canโ€™t find because Iโ€™m in pain) ....I have 2 weeks off work coming up so hoping to relax a bit. Whens your next scan? โค๏ธMine is tomorrow..

โ€ข in reply to

I should have had a scan today but because I went on Monday they say it's unnecessary.. so next one is in 2 weeks 23rd. I am tempted to just go there and ask for the scan anyway ๐Ÿ˜…, I won't though, I don't want to push my privilege.

If the scan on the 23rd is good I will be booked for the cerclage.

How exiting you get to see your bubba tomorrow ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿพ, looking forward to your update.

โ€ข in reply to

Ahaha we are scans addicts arenโ€™t we? Two week is doable for waiting, although Iโ€™d prefer a weekly one ๐Ÿ˜‚

I hope all is well with my ๐Ÿฆž, Iโ€™m always so anxious the day before the scan ๐Ÿ™ˆthank you sweetie โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ

โ€ข in reply to

Issy will you believe I have gotten that scan I said I won't get?

โ€ข in reply to

OMG ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚naughtyyyy so? How is bubba? โค๏ธ

โ€ข in reply to

Started cramping and bleeding clots.. rushed to the hospital, got scanned, bubba is fine. I have been admonished to strict bed rest and no coming to the hospital unless it's two weeks or I am dying ๐Ÿ˜…

โ€ข in reply to

Thatโ€™s really good news!! BUT....BUT....Iโ€™m going to have to give you a little slap on hands (like you do to a kid that stole a biscuit lol) ....YOU MUST REST LADY! โค๏ธI know itโ€™s boooooring but bubba needs rest and cuddles and so you gotta stay put โค๏ธOk? ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹promise!!!

โ€ข in reply to

The stress of it all.. this situation is turning me into someone else, saying one thing and then doing the complete opposite. Phew!

I am totally resting now, especially as they told me at the hospital there is nothing they can do about it. Just stay home, keep my fingers crossed and pray this bleeding will stop. The big clots scared me.

And yes I deserve that smack.. Thank you โค๏ธ โค๏ธโค๏ธ๐Ÿ’ž๐Ÿ’ž ๐Ÿ’ž

โ€ข in reply to

I know Hun, itโ€™s a very stressful situation...and itโ€™s not easy to calm down, I understand- Iโ€™m trying to keep you company โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธIf youโ€™re bored write to me! ๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹

โ€ข in reply to

Thank you, you are a treasure โค๏ธ Say hello to your Little lobster tomorrow โค๏ธ

RhinoCat profile image
RhinoCat

Awh pet, I have no Advice for the bruises. Can you ask your clinic about stomach to give you four sites?

Can you ask a nurse? Itโ€™s probably normal because of the needle size etc.... ๐Ÿ˜ฑ

How long do you need to be on them?

Love and hugs ๐Ÿค—

๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’

โ€ข in reply toRhinoCat

Look my fave animal is here ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿˆ๐Ÿ˜helloooooo hunnie!

Ah, itโ€™s a lost battle- canโ€™t be done in the stomach, needs to be intramuscular (so only bum!) needle is HUGE but I think what is really painful is the actual medication - I donโ€™t even bruise.

Got to do them until week 12 of pregnancy, so 3.5 weeks more๐Ÿ™ˆ

Seeing little ๐Ÿฆž tomorrow ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜hope all is good with him/her ๐Ÿคž๐Ÿป๐Ÿคž๐Ÿป๐Ÿคž๐Ÿป๐Ÿคž๐Ÿป๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€๐Ÿ€โœจโœจโœจโœจIโ€™m a bit anxious.

You- are about to start stimming, on the 18th right? I have got my cheer leading pom poms ready ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹๐Ÿ’‹how are you feeling?

RhinoCat profile image
RhinoCatโ€ข in reply to

Awh pet, little you can do if itโ€™s the medication I guess. My prostap was in my butt both times. First nurse left my arse sore for four days. This second time, only a bit sore the next day then fine.

The second nurse made me bend the knee on the side I was having the injection then breathe in whist she stAbbed, then in quick , and inhale whilst she she pulled it out. Felt totally fine compared to last nurse.

Not too many more weeks then , nice if you can count it down ๐Ÿ˜˜๐Ÿ˜˜๐Ÿ˜˜ you are getting there!

Itโ€™ll be nice to hear how little ๐Ÿฆž is getting along. Time seems to be flying but probably not for you ๐Ÿคฃ

Getting scared about the needles again as I remember how stingy sore the menopur was. Hopefully once I get into the Gonal f , itโ€™ll be fine . I needed 11 days of stims last time, prob same this time, who knows. Still off work so getting house work etc sorted . One positive of covid 19 is my husband canโ€™t travel for work ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’ Iโ€™ve counsellor on Friday , think itโ€™s my last one โ˜๏ธ always am nervous leading up to that.

Love and hugs,

Hope you have a happy day ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

๐Ÿฆž๐Ÿฆ๐Ÿˆ

Fifikoko profile image
Fifikoko

Are you warming the vial of progesterone before injecting? I think that helps.

I also put EMLA numbing cream on the injection site and covered with the special clear dressing for an hour before injecting.

Iโ€™m surprised your clinic told you to inject in the morning. I was told to do it at night. I would do it just before dead, fall asleep with hot water bottle near the spot too and that helped as well.

Not sure thereโ€™s any perfect answer to be honest! My pain would be delayed for about 2 days (I injected every third day on alternate sides) and I still get the odd twinge of pain now 5 weeks after stoping! ๐Ÿ™ˆ

I hope it gets better for you and best of luck xxx

Fifikoko profile image
Fifikoko

I meant inject just before bed not dead! ๐Ÿ˜€

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